Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
It was a blessing for me to restore two years ago the time-honored tradition at St. Joseph Parish of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which had been abated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful, also, to Susan Whitman for scheduling the Adorers, who provide a prayerful and protective environment while the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar is exposed in the monstrance.
Over recent years, however, the number of Adorers available to pray and safeguard the Blessed Sacrament here has declined. It has been reported to me that many of the former participants are “at Riverside Cemetery,” have discontinued due to natural attrition, or have moved away, and that the winter months constitute a particular difficulty in obtaining enough Adorers to cover each holy hour.
The Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship published, “The Rites for Holy Communion and Worship of the Holy Eucharist Outside of Mass,” which regulates Adoration. This document and subsequent policy statements, envision that at least two Adorers are always present in the church while the Blessed Sacrament is exposed. The rationale for this norm is two-fold: 1) to safeguard the Most Holy Eucharist while outside the tabernacle, and 2) for the safety and security of the Adorers. Both matters have been of concern over the past year.
At least for the winter months – and following my consultation with members of the Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Council – the Wednesday hours of Adoration will be changed to 8:30 A.M. until Reposition at 12:30 P.M. beginning on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
Please give some consideration to your availability for joining the Lord in this important, prayerful endeavor in the parish community. In addition to having the requisite two Adorers assigned to each hour, it is my hope to have at least one alternate Adorer for each hour who may be contacted to cover in cases of unexpected absences.
With prayer best wishes,
Fr. John Mahoney